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Wednesday, 4 July 2012

Free Downloadable PDF Pattern: Vest / Camisole / Singlet

I am so thoroughly excited to be able to offer you my first self-drafted FREE sewing pattern!!! It consists of two downloadable PDF documents, one containing the pattern pieces and the second containing full instructions on how to use this pattern and construct the garment. You will find links to both PDF documents on my 'Free Patterns' page.

This pattern has been graded to include UK sizes 8 - 16, which is US sizes 6 -14, Euro sizes 36 - 44 (Australian, Japanese and Italian sizes also explained in the size guide in the instruction PDF). It needs less than 60 cms or 1 yard of jersey, or even a large T-shirt plus some elastic and thread. Full details are included in the instructions document.

Thanks to the eccentricities of language and cultural difference, there appears to be no single English word for this type of garment, what I grew up calling a 'vest' is known to others as a 'camisole', 'singlet' and probably a myriad of other terms. But what I think most would agree on is how useful this type of garment can be. Whether you live somewhere that gets very hot, or are planning a holiday/vacation to such a place, this little garment might be just the ticket. Equally, if you want to keep warm, this will create a welcome extra layer under your clothing without adding bulk to your outfit. I can also recommend them for sleeping in!

This is such a speedy sewing project, and a great way to use up small amounts of jersey. I'll be specifically addressing how to use unwanted T-shirts with this pattern and sharing extra tips for doing so this Friday as the next instalment of my weekly Refashion Friday feature. So head over to the 'Free Patterns' page to download your own copy of this pattern and instructions.

I'd like to say a massive thanks to Claire from 'Sew Incidentally' for digitising this pattern and for being so patient and generally awesome. A truly generous lady.

Soon to come: free pants / knickers / undies pattern. Combined with this vest pattern, you'll be able to make yourself a super-cute undies set!

ooh lovely! i wear this sort of thing loads so will definitely be making one. would be great to use some of the lovely printed knits around - the vests you see in shops tend to be a bit plain and boring!

This is brilliant. I was looking to buy a Jalie pattern recommended on Cargo Cult Craft, but it was proving hard to find. This is great, I really appreciate it. I'll sort you out with a coffee when I download it.

Out of interest - can this be made using strips of jersey rather than the elastic? (Say like a neck binding)

Woohoo! Your first pattern! Thanks for sharing it with us - I'm looking forward to giving it a try. For what it's worth, I *think* most of North America calls this kind of clothing a "tank top". (I've never heard anyone in Canada or on American tv call it anything else, at least!) Maybe if you added that to the description, more NA people would find it through searches? ;)

hi Zoe! just having a spot of trouble downloading the cami pattern and instructions pdfs. not sure if it's to do with my PC settings, but if it isn't too much hassle, please could you send me a copy of the pattern pdf by email? just cracked my knits fear (and hubby just got too fat for a bunch of Ts), so itching to get started on these! x

What you're saying is completely true. I know that everybody must say the same thing, but I just think that you put it in a way that everyone can understand. I'm sure you'll reach so many people with what you've got to say.